Agilent Technologies E4438C Operating instructions

Programming Guide
Agilent Technologies
ESG Vector Signal Generator
This guide applies to signal generator models and associated serial number prefixes listed
below. Depending on your firmware revision, signal generator operation may vary from
descriptions in this guide.
E4438C: US4146
Part Number: E4400-90505
Printed in USA
April 2002
© Copyright 2001, 2002 Agilent Technologies, Inc.

ii
Notice
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without notice, in future editions.
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which it pertains, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and
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contract terms shall control.
Questions or Comments about our Documentation?
We welcome any questions or comments you may have about our documentation. Please send
us an E-mail at [email protected].

Contents
iii
1. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction to Remote Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Interfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
I/O Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Programming Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Using GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1. Installing the GPIB Interface Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. Selecting I/O Libraries for GPIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. Setting Up the GPIB Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4. Verifying GPIB Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
GPIB Interface Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
GPIB Function Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1. Selecting I/O Libraries for LAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2. Setting Up the LAN Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3. Verifying LAN Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using VXI-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using Sockets LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Using TELNET LAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Using FTP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
1. Selecting I/O Libraries for RS-232. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2. Setting Up the RS-232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3. Verifying RS-232 Functionality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Character Format Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
If You Have Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2. Programming Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using the Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Programming Examples Development Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Running C/C++ Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
GPIB Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Before Using the Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Interface Check using Agilent BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Interface Check Using NI-488.2 and C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Interface Check using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Local Lockout Using Agilent BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Local Lockout Using NI-488.2 and C++ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Contents
iv
Queries Using Agilent BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Queries Using NI-488.2 and C++. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Queries Using VISA and C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Generating a CW Signal Using VISA and C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Generating an Externally Applied AC-Coupled FM Signal Using VISA and C . . . . 49
Generating an Internal AC-Coupled FM Signal Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Generating a Step-Swept Signal Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Saving and Recalling States Using VISA and C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Reading the Data Questionable Status Register Using VISA and C. . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reading the Service Request Interrupt (SRQ) Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
LAN Programming Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Before Using the Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
VXI-11 Programing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Sockets LAN Programming using C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Sockets LAN Programming Using PERL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Sockets LAN Programming Using Java . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
RS-232 Programming Examples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Before Using the Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Interface Check Using Agilent BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Interface Check Using VISA and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Queries Using Agilent BASIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Queries Using VISA and C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
3. Programming the Status Register System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Status Register Bit Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Accessing Status Register Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Determining What to Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Deciding How to Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Status Register SCPI Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Status Byte Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Status Byte Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Service Request Enable Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Status Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Standard Event Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Standard Operation Status Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Contents
v
Baseband Operation Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Data Questionable Status Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Data Questionable Power Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Data Questionable Frequency Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Data Questionable Modulation Status Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Data Questionable Calibration Status Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Data Questionable BERT Status Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
4. Downloading and Using Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
ARB Waveform Data Downloads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Bit-value and Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Types of Arbitrary Waveform Generator Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Data Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
File Structure and Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Downloading Waveforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Playing a Downloaded Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Downloading E443xB Signal Generator Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
User File Data Downloads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Framed and Unframed Data Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Data Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Data Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Data Volatility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
User Files as Data Source for Framed Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Multiple User Files Selected as Data Sources for Different Timeslots . . . . . . . . . . 173
Downloading User File Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Selecting Downloaded User Files as the Transmitted Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Modulating and Activating the Carrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
FIR Filter Coefficient Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Data Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Data Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Data Volatility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Downloading FIR Filter Coefficient Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Selecting a Downloaded User FIR Filter as the Active Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Downloads Directly into Pattern RAM (PRAM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Data Limitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Data Volatility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Downloading in List Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Contents
vi
Downloading in Block Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Modulating and Activating the Carrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Viewing the PRAM Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Data Transfer Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Direct PRAM Download Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
User File Download Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
User FIR Filter Coefficient File Download Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
ARB Waveform Data Download Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

1
1Getting Started

Getting Started
Introduction to Remote Operation
Chapter 12
Introduction to Remote Operation
ESG signal generators support the following interfaces:
• General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB)
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• ANSI/EIA232 (RS-232) serial connection
Each of these interfaces, in combination with an I/O library and programming language, can
be used to remotely control your signal generator. Figure 1-1 uses the GPIB as an example of
the relationships between the interface, I/O libraries, programming language, and signal
generator.
Figure 1-1 Software/Hardware Layers

Getting Started
Introduction to Remote Operation
Chapter 1 3
Interfaces
GPIB GPIB is used extensively when a dedicated computer is available for remote
control of each instrument or system. Data transfer is fast because the GPIB
handles information in 8-bit bytes. GPIB is physically restricted by the
location and distance between the instrument/system and the computer;
cables are limited to an average length of two meters per device with a total
length of 20 meters.
LAN LAN based communication is supported by the signal generator. Data
transfer is fast as the LAN handles packets of data. The distance between a
computer and the signal generator is limited to 100 meters (10BASE-T). The
following protocols can be used to communicate with the signal generator
over the LAN:
• VMEbus Extensions for Instrumentation (VXI) as defined in VXI-11
• Sockets LAN
• Telephone Network (TELNET)
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
RS-232 RS-232 is a common method used to communicate with a single instrument;
its primary use is to control printers and external disk drives, and connect to
a modem. Communication over RS-232 is much slower than with GPIB or
LAN because data is sent and received one bit at a time. It also requires that
certain parameters, such as baud rate, be matched on both the computer
and signal generator.
I/O Libraries
An I/O library is a collection of functions used by a programming language to send instrument
commands. An I/O library must be installed on your computer before writing any programs to
control the signal generator.
NOTE Agilent I/O libraries support the VXI-11 standard.

Getting Started
Introduction to Remote Operation
Chapter 14
Programming Language
The programming language is used along with Standard Commands for Programming
Instructions (SCPI) and I/O library functions to remotely control the signal generator.
Common programming languages include:
•C/C++
• Agilent BASIC
•LabView
•Java

• Visual Basic ®
Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Visual Basic is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 1 5
Using GPIB
The GPIB allows instruments to be connected together and controlled by a computer. The
GPIB and its associated interface operations are defined in the ANSI/IEEE Standard
488.1-1987 and ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2-1992. See the IEEE website, www.ieee.org, for
details on these standards.
1. Installing the GPIB Interface Card
A GPIB interface card must be installed in your computer. Two common GPIB interface cards
are the National Instruments (NI) PCI–GPIB and the Agilent GPIB interface cards. Follow
the GPIB interface card instructions for installing and configuring the card in your computer.
The following tables provide information on interface cards.
Table 1-1 Agilent GPIB Interface Card for PC-Based Systems
Interface
Card Operating System I/O Library Languages Backplane /BUS Max I/O (kB/sec) Buffering
Agilent
82341C for
ISA bus
computers
Windows
95/98/NT/
2000®
Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
VISA /
SICL C/C++, Visual Basic, Agilent
VEE, Agilent
Basic for
Windows
ISA/EISA,
16 bit 750 Built-in
Agilent
82341D
Plug&Play
for PC
Windows
95 VISA / SICL C/C++, Visual Basic, Agilent
VEE, Agilent
Basic for
Windows
ISA/EISA,
16 bit 750 Built-in
Agilent
82350A for
PCI bus
computers
Windows
95/98/NT/
2000
VISA /
SICL C/C++, Visual Basic, Agilent
VEE, Agilent
Basic for
Windows
PCI 32 bit 750 Built-in

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 16
Table 1-2 NI-GPIB Interface Card for PC-Based Systems
Interface
Card Operating System I/O Library Languages Backplane /BUS Max I/O
National
Instrument’s
PCI-GPIB
Windows
95/98/2000/
ME/NT
VISA
NI-488.2C/C++,
Visual BASIC,
LabView
PCI 32 bit 1.5
Mbytes/s
National
Instrument’s
PCI-GPIB+
Windows
NT VISA NI-488.2 C/C++, Visual BASIC,
LabView
PCI 32 bit 1.5
Mbytes/s
NI-488.2 is a trademark of National Instruments Corporation
Table 1-3 Agilent-GPIB Interface Card for HP-UX Workstations
Interface
Card Operating System I/O Library Languages Backplane /BUS Max I/O (kB/sec) Buffering
Agilent
E2071C HP-UX 9.x, HP-UX
10.01
VISA/SICL ANSI C,
Agilent VEE,
Agilent BASIC,
HP-UX
EISA 750 Built-in
Agilent
E2071D HP-UX 10.20 VISA/SICL ANSI C, Agilent VEE,
Agilent BASIC,
HP-UX
EISA 750 Built-in
Agilent
E2078A HP-UX 10.20 VISA/SICL ANSI C, Agilent VEE,
Agilent BASIC,
HP-UX
PCI 750 Built-in

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 1 7
2. Selecting I/O Libraries for GPIB
The I/O libraries are included with your GPIB interface card. These libraries can also be
downloaded from the National Instruments website or the Agilent website. The following is a
discussion on these libraries.
VISA VISA is an I/O library used to develop I/O applications and instrument
drivers that comply with industry standards. It is recommended that the
VISA library be used for programming the signal generator. The NI-VISA
and Agilent VISA libraries are similar implementations of VISA and have
the same commands, syntax, and functions. The differences are in the lower
level I/O libraries; NI-488.2 and SICL respectively. It is best to use the
Agilent VISA library with the Agilent GPIB interface card or NI-VISA with
the NI PCI-GPIB interface card.
SICL Agilent SICL can be used without the VISA overlay. The SICL functions can
be called from a program. However, if this method is used, executable
programs will not be portable to other hardware platforms. For example, a
program using SICL functions will not run on a computer with NI libraries
(PCI-GPIB interface card).
NI-488.2 NI-488.2 can be used without the VISA overlay. The NI-488.2 functions can
be called from a program. However, if this method is used, executable
programs will not be portable to other hardware platforms. For example, a
program using NI-488.2 functions will not run on a computer with Agilent
SICL (Agilent GPIB interface card).
3. Setting Up the GPIB Interface
1. Press Utility > GPIB/RS-232 LAN > GPIB Address.
2. Use the numeric keypad, the arrow keys, or rotate the front panel knob to set the desired
address.
The signal generator’s GPIB address is set to 19 at the factory. The acceptable range of
addresses is 0 through 30. Once initialized, the state of the GPIB address is not affected by
a signal generator preset or by a power cycle. Other instruments on the GPIB cannot use
the same address as the signal generator.
3. Press Enter.
4. Connect a GPIB interface cable between the signal generator and the computer. (Refer to
Table 1-4 for cable part numbers.)
NI-VISA is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 18
4. Verifying GPIB Functionality
Use the VISA Assistant, available with the Agilent IO Library or the Getting Started Wizard
available with the National Instrument I/O Library, to verify GPIB functionality. These utility
programs allow you to communicate with the signal generator and verify its operation over
the GPIB. Refer to the Help menu available in each utility for information and instructions on
running these programs.
If You Have Problems
1. Verify the signal generator’s address matches that declared in the program (example
programs in Chapter 2 use address 19).
2. Remove all other instruments connected to the GPIB and re-run the program.
3. Verify that the GPIB card’s name or id number matches the GPIB name or id number
configured for your PC.
GPIB Interface Terms
An instrument that is part of a GPIB network is categorized as a listener, talker, or controller,
depending on its current function in the network.
listener A listener is a device capable of receiving data or commands from other
instruments. Several instruments in the GPIB network can be listeners
simultaneously.
talker A talker is a device capable of transmitting data. To avoid confusion, a GPIB
system allows only one device at a time to be an active talker.
controller A controller,typically a computer, can specify the talker and listeners
(including itself) for an information transfer. Only one device at a time can
be an active controller.
Table 1-4 Agilent GPIB Cables
Model 10833A 10833B 10833C 10833D 10833F 10833G
Length 1 meter 2 meters 4 meters .5 meter 6 meters 8 meters

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 1 9
GPIB Function Statements
Function statements are the basis for GPIB programming and instrument control. These
function statements combined with SCPI provide management and data communication for the
GPIB interface and the signal generator.
This section describes functions used by different I/O libraries. Refer to the NI-488.2 Function
Reference Manual for Windows, Agilent Standard Instrument Control Library reference
manual, and Microsoft®Visual C++ 6.0 documentation for more information.
Abort Function
The Agilent BASIC function ABORT and the other listed I/O library functions terminate
listener/talker activity on the GPIB and prepare the signal generator to receive a new command
from the computer. Typically, this is an initialization command used to place the GPIB in a
known starting condition.
Agilent BASIC The ABORT function stops all GPIB activity.
VISA Library In VISA, the viTerminate command requests a VISA session to terminate
normal execution of an asynchronous operation. The parameter list describes
the session and job id.
NI-488.2
Library The NI-488.2 library function aborts any asynchronous read, write, or
command operation that is in progress. The parameter ud is the interface or
device descriptor.
SICL The Agilent SICL function aborts any command currently executing with the
session id. This function is supported with C/C++ on Windows 3.1 and Series
700 HP-UX.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Table 1-5
Agilent BASIC VISA NI-488.2 Agilent SICL
10 ABORT 7 viTerminate (parameter
list) ibstop(int ud) iabort (id)

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 110
Remote Function
The Agilent BASIC function REMOTE and the other listed I/O library functions cause the signal
generator to change from local operation to remote operation. In remote operation, the front
panel keys are disabled except for the Local key and the line power switch. Pressing the Local
key on the signal generator front panel restores manual operation.
Agilent BASIC The REMOTE 719 function disables the front panel operation of all keys with
the exception of the Local key.
VISA Library The VISA library, at this time, does not have a similar command.
NI-488.2
Library This NI-488.2 library function asserts the Remote Enable (REN) GPIB line.
All devices listed in the parameter list are put into a listen-active state
although no indication is generated by the signal generator. The parameter
list describes the interface or device descriptor.
SICL The Agilent SICL function puts an instrument, identified by the id
parameter, into remote mode and disables the front panel keys. Pressing the
Local key on the signal generator front panel restores manual operation.
The parameter id is the session identifier.
Local Lockout Function
The Agilent BASIC function LOCAL LOCKOUT and the other listed I/O library functions can be
used to disable the front panel keys including the Local key. With the Local key disabled, only
the controller (or a hard reset of the line power switch) can restore local control.
Agilent BASIC The LOCAL LOCKOUT function disables all front-panel signal generator keys.
Return to local control can occur only with a hard on/off, when the LOCAL
command is sent or if the Preset key is pressed.
Table 1-6
Agilent BASIC VISA NI-488.2 Agilent SICL
10 REMOTE 719 N/A EnableRemote (parameter
list) iremote (id)
Table 1-7
Agilent BASIC VISA NI-488.2 Agilent SICL
10 LOCAL LOCKOUT 719 N/A SetRWLS (parameter
list) igpibllo (id)

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 1 11
VISA Library The VISA library, at this time, does not have a similar command.
NI-488.2
Library The NI-488.2 library function places the instrument described in the
parameter list in remote mode by asserting the Remote Enable (REN) GPIB
line. The lockout state is then set using the Local Lockout (LLO) GPIB
message. Local control can be restored only with the EnableLocal NI-488.2
routine or hard reset. The parameter list describes the interface or device
descriptor.
SICL The Agilent SICL igpibllo function prevents user access to front panel keys
operation. The function puts an instrument, identified by the id parameter,
into remote mode with local lockout. The parameter id is the session
identifier and instrument address list.
Local Function
The Agilent BASIC function LOCAL and the other listed functions cause the signal generator
to return to local control with a fully enabled front panel.
Agilent BASIC The LOCAL 719 function returns the signal generator to manual operation,
allowing access to the signal generator’s front panel keys.
VISA Library The VISA library, at this time, does not have a similar command.
NI-488.2
Library The NI-488.2 library function places the interface in local mode and allows
operation of the signal generator’s front panel keys. The ud parameter in the
parameter list is the interface or device descriptor.
SICL The Agilent SICL function puts the signal generator into Local operation;
enabling front panel key operation. The id parameter identifies the session.
Table 1-8
Agilent BASIC VISA NI-488.2 Agilent SICL
10 LOCAL 719 N/A ibloc (int ud) iloc(id)

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Using GPIB
Chapter 112
Clear Function
The Agilent BASIC function CLEAR and the other listed I/O library functions cause the signal
generator to assume a cleared condition.
Agilent BASIC The CLEAR 719 function causes all pending output-parameter operations to
be halted, the parser (interpreter of programming codes) to reset and
prepare for a new programming code, stops any sweep in progress, and
continuous sweep to be turned off.
VISA Library The VISA library uses the viClear function. This function performs an IEEE
488.1 clear of the signal generator.
NI-488.2
Library The NI-488.2 library function sends the GPIB Selected Device Clear (SDC)
message to the device described by ud.
SICL The Agilent SICL function clears a device or interface. The function also
discards data in both the read and write formatted I/O buffers. The id
parameter identifies the session.
Output Function
The Agilent BASIC I/O function OUTPUT and the other listed I/O library functions put the
signal generator into a listen mode and prepare it to receive ASCII data, typically SCPI
commands.
Agilent BASIC The function OUTPUT 719 puts the signal generator into remote mode,
makes it a listener, and prepares it to receive data.
VISA Library The VISA library uses the above function and associated parameter list to
output data. This function formats according to the format string and sends
data to the device. The parameter list describes the session id and data to
Table 1-9
Agilent BASIC VISA NI-488.2 Agilent SICL
10 CLEAR 719 viClear(ViSession
vi) ibclr(int ud) iclear (id)
Table 1-10
Agilent BASIC VISA NI-488.2 Agilent SICL
10 OUTPUT 719 viPrintf(parameter
list) ibwrt(parameter list) iprintf (parameter list)

Getting Started
Using GPIB
Chapter 1 13
send.
NI-488.2
Library The NI-488.2 library function addresses the GPIB and writes data to the
signal generator. The parameter list includes the instrument address,
session id, and the data to send.
SICL The Agilent SICL function converts data using the format string. The format
string specifies how the argument is converted before it is output. The
function sends the characters in the format string directly to the
instrument. The parameter list includes the instrument address, data buffer
to write, and so forth.
Enter Function
The Agilent BASIC function ENTER reads formatted data from the signal generator. Other I/O
libraries use similar functions to read data from the signal generator.
Agilent BASIC The function ENTER 719 puts the signal generator into remote mode, makes
it a talker, and assigns data or status information to a designated variable.
VISA Library The VISA library uses the viScanf function and an associated parameter list
to receive data. This function receives data from the instrument, formats it
using the format string, and stores the data in the argument list. The
parameter list includes the session id and string argument.
NI-488.2
Library The NI-488.2 library function addresses the GPIB, reads data bytes from
the signal generator, and stores the data into a specified buffer. The
parameter list includes the instrument address and session id.
SICL The Agilent SICL function reads formatted data, converts it, and stores the
results into the argument list. The conversion is done using conversion rules
for the format string. The parameter list includes the instrument address,
formatted data to read, and so forth.
Table 1-11
Agilent BASIC VISA NI-488.2 Agilent SICL
10 ENTER 719; viScanf (parameter
list) ibrd (parameter list) iscanf (parameter list)

Getting Started
Using LAN
Chapter 114
Using LAN
The signal generator can be remotely programmed via a LAN interface and LAN-connected
computer using one of several LAN interface protocols. The LAN allows instruments to be
connected together and controlled by a LAN-based computer. LAN and its associated interface
operations are defined in the IEEE 802.2 standard. See the IEEE website for more details.
The signal generator supports the following LAN interface protocols:
•VXI-11
• Sockets LAN
• Telephone Network (TELNET)
• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
VXI-11 and sockets LAN are used for general programming using the LAN interface,
TELNET is used for interactive, one command at a time instrument control, and FTP is for
file transfer.
1. Selecting I/O Libraries for LAN
The TELNET and FTP protocols do not require I/O libraries to be installed on your computer.
However, to write programs to control your signal generator, an I/O library must be installed
on your computer and the computer configured for instrument control using the LAN
interface.
The I/O libraries can be downloaded from the Agilent website. The following is a discussion on
these libraries.
Agilent VISA VISA is an I/O library used to develop I/O applications and instrument
drivers that comply with industry standards. Use the Agilent VISA library
for programming the signal generator over the LAN interface.
SICL Agilent SICL is a lower level library that is installed along with Agilent
VISA.